Leader 'pleasantly surprised' by Festival of Lights turn out in Market Drayton

Market Drayton Town Council said that it had been inundated with stall booking requests this year and was at full capacity with traders keen to show off their wares during Saturday's extravaganza.

There was a full day of entertainment, live music and Christmas market from 10am and building up to the switch on of the Christmas lights at 5pm. Santa was also 'present' at his grotto in the town hall.

The town council stumped up £400 to pay Shropshire Council to keep the parking free after having it revoked earlier in the week, the mayor revealed.

Town mayor Councillor Mark Whittle said the streets of the town were full from "opening to closing" with people standing shoulder to shoulder for the big switch on. Four pupils from Longlands School pressed the button that lit up the town and the Methodist Church choir sang choirs in harmony with the crowds.

The mayor praised staff at the town council for organising the event. "They were out from 6am until finishing and had worked for eight months to put the event on. The result was for all to see. Four stalls ran out of wares by 3pm and others were trading up until 7pm."

Town councillor Bryon Chapman said he had been 'pleasantly surprised' by the turn out especially in Cheshire Street.

"It was full of traders, which is nice to see," said Councillor Chapman. "I have never seen so many members of the public turn out. It was a really nice afternoon and I was pleasantly surprised."